Best Takeout Counter (Grocery Division)

Macklind Avenue Deli

When the thought of another sandwich or salad loaded with sun-dried tomatoes makes the stomach shrivel, it's time for a trip for takeout from the Macklind Avenue Deli. Two years ago the Krekeler family retooled their neighborhood market and concocted a grocery counter lineup long on old-school favorites like chicken salad (with chives and mayo), creamy cole slaw (with apples and walnuts) and pasta salad (with mustard). The deli also serves soups, salads and hot dogs to go, along with its famous Karl's Special Poorboy (a mountain of meat) and a slew of hot "specialty" sandwiches that change daily. Hundreds of microbrews, and a nice wine selection, too, round out the roster. Don't forget several helpings of dessert. Slices of the homemade carrot cake have been known not to make it out the door!